Presentation Information
[P-13-01]An Accessible, Affordable and Effective Clinical Nature-Based Intervention Programme for ASD Children and their caregivers
*Tammy Neo1, John, Chee Meng Wong1,2, Angelia Sia3, Esther, Yuen Ling Tai1, Stephanie, Sze-Yin Seow1, Michelle Lee, Christel Chang, Tiffany Ho1, Natalie Lei1, Maria Paula Leon Mora, Kenneth Khoo3, Kian Seng Ding, Maria Koh, Kee Juan Yeo2 (1.National University Hospital, Singapore(Singapore), 2.National University of Singapore(Singapore), 3.National Parks Board of Singapore(Singapore))
Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorder,Family Therapy,Nature Therapy,Emotional Well-being,Mental Health
Nature has been proven to be useful in improving the mental well-being of neurotypical children. A lack of affordable and accessible therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) children persists, with an even greater lack of family-based therapies and self-care programs.
A 6-week 90-minute intervention program curated based on DIRFloortime® principles involving caregiver-facilitator assisted nature play was carried out in specially designed Nature Playgardens. Participant dyads (n=28) were ASD boys aged 5-9 and their caregivers aged 21-80. Study consisted of 4 time-points, pre (T0), mid (T1), post (T2), post 4-weeks (T3) intervention. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL) measured child's psychosocial quality of life (QoL)at T0, T2, and T3, while the Emotional Regulation Checklist (ERC) tested for a child’s negative emotional reactivity at T0 and T2. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured caregiver's mental well-being at T0, T1, T2 and T3 while Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-s) measured caregiving burden.
Linear Mixed Model Analysis controlling for age revealed at 95% CI:
Child participants’ negative emotional reactivity (ERC) significantly decreased from T0 to T2, mean difference = -4.71, p<.001, CI (-6.31, -3.11). Child’s psychosocial QoL (PEDsQL) significantly increased from T0 to T2 and T3. Mean difference (T2) = 5.96, p = .004, CI (1.98, 9.95). Mean difference (T3) = 6.82, p = .001, CI (2.84, 10.81).
Caregivers’ mental well-being improved with a significant decrease in GHQ-12 scores from T0 to T2, mean difference = -2.03, p = .046, CI (-3.82, -.034).Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative relationship between caregiving burden and child’s psychosocial QoL at T2, r(26) = -.42, p =.027.
Hence, this clinical nature-based intervention helped increase emotional and psychosocial health of ASD children, with this improvement simultaneously decreasing caregiving burden. An increase in overall caregiver psychological well-being was also observed, validating an effective, accessible and affordable self-care intervention program.
A 6-week 90-minute intervention program curated based on DIRFloortime® principles involving caregiver-facilitator assisted nature play was carried out in specially designed Nature Playgardens. Participant dyads (n=28) were ASD boys aged 5-9 and their caregivers aged 21-80. Study consisted of 4 time-points, pre (T0), mid (T1), post (T2), post 4-weeks (T3) intervention. Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PEDsQL) measured child's psychosocial quality of life (QoL)at T0, T2, and T3, while the Emotional Regulation Checklist (ERC) tested for a child’s negative emotional reactivity at T0 and T2. General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) measured caregiver's mental well-being at T0, T1, T2 and T3 while Burden Scale for Family Caregivers (BSFC-s) measured caregiving burden.
Linear Mixed Model Analysis controlling for age revealed at 95% CI:
Child participants’ negative emotional reactivity (ERC) significantly decreased from T0 to T2, mean difference = -4.71, p<.001, CI (-6.31, -3.11). Child’s psychosocial QoL (PEDsQL) significantly increased from T0 to T2 and T3. Mean difference (T2) = 5.96, p = .004, CI (1.98, 9.95). Mean difference (T3) = 6.82, p = .001, CI (2.84, 10.81).
Caregivers’ mental well-being improved with a significant decrease in GHQ-12 scores from T0 to T2, mean difference = -2.03, p = .046, CI (-3.82, -.034).Pearson correlation revealed a significant negative relationship between caregiving burden and child’s psychosocial QoL at T2, r(26) = -.42, p =.027.
Hence, this clinical nature-based intervention helped increase emotional and psychosocial health of ASD children, with this improvement simultaneously decreasing caregiving burden. An increase in overall caregiver psychological well-being was also observed, validating an effective, accessible and affordable self-care intervention program.